This is not a fundraising story driven by big donors, but by small contributions, as R10s, R20s and R50s have added up to R530,000 in David Sejobe’s name.
South Africa (07 February 2026) – This is not a story about numbers, although the numbers are striking. It is a story about how one man’s kindness reached far beyond the moments in which it was given and how a country continues to respond as it realises what it has lost.
David Sejobe passed away last Friday and news of his death broke on Saturday. The loss was sudden and deeply felt, particularly by those who worked with him, passed him daily or had come to rely on his warm presence as part of their routine. Since then, his passing has prompted an outpouring of grief, reflection and collective care from across South Africa.
In less than a week, the crowdfunding campaign set up in David Sejobe’s name has reached R530,000. What makes this moment extraordinary is not only the amount but how it has been built. This is not a total just made up of large cheques or grand gestures. It is made up of of R10s, R20s and R50s… of people giving what they can, however small, to honour a man who gave what he had every single day. This is ordinary South Africans showing up for someone they felt connected to, even if they never shared a conversation with him. It is people choosing to be part of something bigger, not for recognition, but to keep David’s story and his memory alive.
The messages accompanying those donations reveal why this has resonated so deeply. Again and again, people speak about the way David made them feel, often without even knowing their names.
One message read, “God sends His angels to change people and help people, and I truly believe Mr David was an angel. He changed people just with his smile, personality and positive love for life. He knew love and kindness and passed that on to everyone he met.”
Others spoke about the everyday moments that now feel heavier in his absence.
“My drive into Sandton will never be the same,” one person wrote. “David brought a smile to everyone stuck in traffic. Driving past MultiChoice this week has been very emotional, with everyone hooting in honour of David.”
What has been especially moving is how many people have admitted they never met him, and yet still feel changed by his story.
“I very sadly didn’t ever get to meet this lovely man,” one comment read, “but I am still so deeply touched somehow. All I can hope is that you knew how much you were loved.”
That same message carried a reflection many have echoed since: a reminder to tell people how loved they are while they are still here, and not wait until it is too late.
There is also a powerful honesty running through these responses. One person wrote, “He did nothing extraordinary. He was no leader. No community worker. No pastor. The only thing he did was use what all of us can use — to greet someone and be friendly.”
And yet, in that simplicity lies the reason this story has travelled so far. David did not set out to inspire a nation. He set out to show up, to greet people, and to be kind. That was enough.
Another message summed it up simply: “South Africans really have Ubuntu. The man was clearly loved and admired by many.” Others urged that his life carry forward as a lesson, saying, “Let’s give people their flowers while they are still alive,” and, “If you can be anything in this world, be a David Sejobe.”
The R530,000 raised will continue to support David’s family with funeral and memorial costs and immediate needs, but its meaning reaches beyond practical support. It reflects collective care. Of people choosing to honour kindness with kindness. Of a country momentarily united, not by anger or fear, but by gratitude.
David Sejobe did not have power, status or a platform. What he had was warmth, consistency and a genuine regard for others. In the way South Africans have responded, through small donations, shared memories, hooting cars, candles, flowers and words that carry weight, it is clear that his life mattered deeply.
South Africans are saying the same thing in different ways: we saw you, David, and we are choosing to carry your kindness forward.
by 